I get what you are saying, but I'm not expecting a flood of Steam games. Myself and others are asking for 5 to 15 year old, already existing PC games to be released worldwide. Translations are already done for most of them. There's very, very little work to do on their part, so they can keep being focused on churning out endless Trails sequels while letting us dirty foreigners enjoy their older games.Grimmy said:
-
Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.
Xanadu Next (PC/Falcom) translation released!
- Thread starter Aeana
- Start date
omg...this game. Been playing it all morning and I'm absolutely obsessed and enamored by it. Falcom has become one of my favorite, if not current favorite developer over the past year or so. I didn't really know too much about this game until I saw this thread regarding the English patch. I've heard Xanadu mentioned over the years, but I never researched it enough because of the fact that it was exclusively on PC and only in Japanese. It's just so...perfect. Here is just a quick summary/mini-impression/review from what I've played:
Combat & Dungeons: There's just something about Falcom and their games. This game just feels super polished and TIGHT. The combat is just interesting enough too. I love circling behind enemies for those back attacks and the fact that enemies telegraph their attacks makes the point & click combat 100% more fun. I'm usually not a fan of PC gaming because mouse and keyboard just doesn't feel right to me. I'm actually quite comfortable and fine with using a mouse for this though. I've been born and bread on consoles since I was a kid and BARELY used PCs for gaming. I like Diablo, but I'm not obsessed with it. This is absolutely a Diablo-like game, but it FEELS like a console/portable game and it fits like a glove for me.
I don't know about anyone else, but this game gives me some Vagrant Story vibes, which is always a good thing. In general, Xanadu Next feels like a cross between Ys, Diablo, and Vagrant Story. The thing that tipped me off about VS in particular were the crate puzzles. It just looks and feels WAY to similar to Vagrant, lol! I felt like I was exploring the depths of Lea Monde with all those bats, lizard guys, and crates in that intro, cellar dungeon, hah!
Also, I am a BIG sucker for games that have Zelda-like tools. Most Ys games do this already, but I've read in the town there is an item that will break rocks/walls later and it looks like there is something that lets you breath under water for longer durations. I LOVE backtracking tools/items. I'm sure there is going to be super cool wrap around doors and paths that connect the game all over the place. It's that Alundra/Zelda/Metroid/King's Field/Dark Souls, (lol) design that ignites so many triggers in my brain. I love it.
Leveling, Equipment, & Stats: The leveling up and progression systems feel so refined and thought out. Simplistic, yet rewarding is the best way to describe it. One thing I love about Falcom games, as I mentioned before, is just the overall tightness in their leveling/progression systems. You won't do damage to most enemies unless you are the right level or have the right equipment and spell. The Ys games seemed to be programmed in a similar nature too.
I fought the first major boss already and I was doing dick to it. The boss used a lot of fire attacks and all my shots were doing about 1 damage. I was like, fuck, what do I do now? I go back to the town and the armor shop sells a fire resistant helmet and the item shop sells an ice magic scroll. I bought that shit, went back to the boss, and blew it away. So perfect. I feel like a lot of RPG developers forget the basics sometimes, especially nowadays. There's just something so rewarding about something as simplistic as this.
Setting & Graphics: Not really a graphics nut, but I love the way the game looks. Falcom games always have nice aesthetics and more importantly they always perform well and feel good. The best way to put it is that they get the job done. Another thing I really dig about Falcom and their games is that they always spin a nice twist on an old idea. Their games are usually not the most fascinating or interesting (well, besides Legend of Heroes), but there is always something unique or special about the plot and characters. You can ALWAYS look forward to that cool twist at the end of the game that you never see coming.
Well, enough ranting and raving about this game. I am just so happy to have a new, fresh Falcom game to play. PLEASE, Falcom, XSEED, put this game on Vita!
Combat & Dungeons: There's just something about Falcom and their games. This game just feels super polished and TIGHT. The combat is just interesting enough too. I love circling behind enemies for those back attacks and the fact that enemies telegraph their attacks makes the point & click combat 100% more fun. I'm usually not a fan of PC gaming because mouse and keyboard just doesn't feel right to me. I'm actually quite comfortable and fine with using a mouse for this though. I've been born and bread on consoles since I was a kid and BARELY used PCs for gaming. I like Diablo, but I'm not obsessed with it. This is absolutely a Diablo-like game, but it FEELS like a console/portable game and it fits like a glove for me.
I don't know about anyone else, but this game gives me some Vagrant Story vibes, which is always a good thing. In general, Xanadu Next feels like a cross between Ys, Diablo, and Vagrant Story. The thing that tipped me off about VS in particular were the crate puzzles. It just looks and feels WAY to similar to Vagrant, lol! I felt like I was exploring the depths of Lea Monde with all those bats, lizard guys, and crates in that intro, cellar dungeon, hah!
Also, I am a BIG sucker for games that have Zelda-like tools. Most Ys games do this already, but I've read in the town there is an item that will break rocks/walls later and it looks like there is something that lets you breath under water for longer durations. I LOVE backtracking tools/items. I'm sure there is going to be super cool wrap around doors and paths that connect the game all over the place. It's that Alundra/Zelda/Metroid/King's Field/Dark Souls, (lol) design that ignites so many triggers in my brain. I love it.
Leveling, Equipment, & Stats: The leveling up and progression systems feel so refined and thought out. Simplistic, yet rewarding is the best way to describe it. One thing I love about Falcom games, as I mentioned before, is just the overall tightness in their leveling/progression systems. You won't do damage to most enemies unless you are the right level or have the right equipment and spell. The Ys games seemed to be programmed in a similar nature too.
I fought the first major boss already and I was doing dick to it. The boss used a lot of fire attacks and all my shots were doing about 1 damage. I was like, fuck, what do I do now? I go back to the town and the armor shop sells a fire resistant helmet and the item shop sells an ice magic scroll. I bought that shit, went back to the boss, and blew it away. So perfect. I feel like a lot of RPG developers forget the basics sometimes, especially nowadays. There's just something so rewarding about something as simplistic as this.
Setting & Graphics: Not really a graphics nut, but I love the way the game looks. Falcom games always have nice aesthetics and more importantly they always perform well and feel good. The best way to put it is that they get the job done. Another thing I really dig about Falcom and their games is that they always spin a nice twist on an old idea. Their games are usually not the most fascinating or interesting (well, besides Legend of Heroes), but there is always something unique or special about the plot and characters. You can ALWAYS look forward to that cool twist at the end of the game that you never see coming.
Well, enough ranting and raving about this game. I am just so happy to have a new, fresh Falcom game to play. PLEASE, Falcom, XSEED, put this game on Vita!
Yuterald, posts like yours are exactly what I was hoping for when I heard that this game would be translated. Well, I actually feel this way when any game I love is being translated. I love finding out how people who have been denied these games feel about stuff when they finally get to play them.
I'm really glad you like the game, and yes I hope for a port as well just so more people can play the game, since I doubt many will play it even with this patch (I guess unless they bother to resort to piracy or something, but to be honest I can't even imagine many people bothering with that). I think this game is a game that is hard to sell from screenshots alone - the concept just doesn't get across at all. I don't really like to call it a "Diablo-like" because it has some extremely key differences, but I do it since that is what western gamers will relate to most. The Vagrant Story comparison is excellent, though, and not one I ever personally thought of.
I'm really glad you like the game, and yes I hope for a port as well just so more people can play the game, since I doubt many will play it even with this patch (I guess unless they bother to resort to piracy or something, but to be honest I can't even imagine many people bothering with that). I think this game is a game that is hard to sell from screenshots alone - the concept just doesn't get across at all. I don't really like to call it a "Diablo-like" because it has some extremely key differences, but I do it since that is what western gamers will relate to most. The Vagrant Story comparison is excellent, though, and not one I ever personally thought of.
Add me to the list of people hoping/waiting for this to be sold on Steam. If it eventually happens, I'll be sure to play it. I've watched a couple of gameplay videos (and the trailer in the OP) and it looks fun.
That reminds me, I've got to buy Trails in the Sky one of these days.
That reminds me, I've got to buy Trails in the Sky one of these days.
Haman Karn
Member
I'm going to be playing this game for a while tonight if anyone wants to watch
http://twitch.tv/newtypedan
http://twitch.tv/newtypedan
I'm extremely disappointed that Falcom still hasn't put up a proper, secured web form for overseas purchases. I'd love to purchase a bunch of games directly from them rather than from resellers, but there's no way in hell you're going to get me to send my credit card information through a plaintext e-mail. This was a cute workaround 8 years ago; now, it's just frustrating.
I found a temporary work around until the resolution patcher is fixed. Thanks to Xalphenos on my buddy's website for the tip.
Find the offset "000E3910" and change 0004000000040000 to 8007000080070000.
If you don't want to mess up your exe, you can wait until the res patcher is fixed, but this worked for me.
Find the offset "000E3910" and change 0004000000040000 to 8007000080070000.
If you don't want to mess up your exe, you can wait until the res patcher is fixed, but this worked for me.
Question, this is in the ReadMe.txt for the patch:
"If you installed Falcom's game patches already, don't worry about the game version:
the patch works starting from any known game version and always brings the game to
the more recently released version 1.0.14e"
So does this mean installing the patch from the http://www.falcom.co.jp/xanadu_next/support/extra.html site is or is -not- needed?
"If you installed Falcom's game patches already, don't worry about the game version:
the patch works starting from any known game version and always brings the game to
the more recently released version 1.0.14e"
So does this mean installing the patch from the http://www.falcom.co.jp/xanadu_next/support/extra.html site is or is -not- needed?
I think the "e" in 1.0.14e refers to the "extra" content, so I think you are ok with just the English patch. Not sure though.micah said:
Edit: In celebration, one of the best tracks in the game:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzLOlywGmmA&feature=related
Don't forget White Lie in Black. Great stuff, very offbeat.GaussTek said:
BishopLamont
Banned
Can you upload the exe?ctrayne said:I found a temporary work around until the resolution patcher is fixed. Thanks to Xalphenos on my buddy's website for the tip.
Find the offset "000E3910" and change 0004000000040000 to 8007000080070000.
If you don't want to mess up your exe, you can wait until the res patcher is fixed, but this worked for me.
Do you mean the patched Xanadu.exe? I'm not sure if that would be against the rules or not. If a mod wants to advise, that would be great.BishopLamont said:
It's pretty easy to do with a basic hex editor though, that's what I did. Or just wait until tomorrow, the rez patch should be done then.
TyrantGuardian
Member
Will the resolution patch properly align the 2D UI elements or will those be stretched like in your screenshots?
TyrantGuardian
Member
ctrayne said:Stretched, for now, but we're looking into it. I'll take a stretched GUI with proper widescreen everything else over pillarboxing though.
Meh, I don't mind 4:3 at all. I would gladly play it in 1600x1200 personally, so I'll still keep an eye on the resolution patch for sure!
Thanks, looks much better now.ctrayne said:I found a temporary work around until the resolution patcher is fixed. Thanks to Xalphenos on my buddy's website for the tip.
Find the offset "000E3910" and change 0004000000040000 to 8007000080070000.
If you don't want to mess up your exe, you can wait until the res patcher is fixed, but this worked for me.
Lactose_Intolerant
Member
How do you save in this game?
Seems decent so far, but has some of the worst modeled shoulders I've ever seen. PS1 games have better shoulders.
Seems decent so far, but has some of the worst modeled shoulders I've ever seen. PS1 games have better shoulders.
thetrin
Hail, peons, for I have come as ambassador from the great and bountiful Blueberry Butt Explosion
You have to touch the grey pillar by the entrance to the city.Lactose_Intolerant said:
Also, if anyone is getting annoyed by how many keys you need, get the bone carving knife asap. You can use it to automatically create keys from the bones that enemies drop in pretty large frequency early in the game.
The female warrior with the pink hair (Whose name escapes me) will offer to sell it to you when you meet her in the first zone.
Also, keys get more expensive the more you buy, so watch out for that.
TyrantGuardian
Member
Whoa, this might be one of the better Zelda-ish games I've played. Loving every second of the mechanics thus far. Translation is semi-iffy and lacks some personality but I really don't feel like complaining about that considering what a monumental task it must have been. The story seems fairly compelling as well, not too much of that general jRPG insanity for now.
Oh, and it also reminds me somewhat of Dark Souls, with the equipment stat requirements and the shortcuts between areas that open up further into the dungeons... that is a very good thing!
Oh, and it also reminds me somewhat of Dark Souls, with the equipment stat requirements and the shortcuts between areas that open up further into the dungeons... that is a very good thing!
Truly the strangest complaint I have ever read. Reminds me of "sharp knees".Lactose_Intolerant said:
Keep in mind the game was never intended to be seen at 1080p. 3D has never been Falcom's strong suit, but I do like the art direction in Xanadu Next. This might actually be their first fully 3D title (meaning no sprites).
Have any of you here played the original Xanadu or the scenario add-on? I'm not talking about Legend of Xanadu on the PCE, that's totally different. I'm talking about this.
If not, I recommend it for a number of reasons. For one, it's Falcom's first successful game, and if I am not mistaken, is the best selling Japanese-developed PC game of all time. It's also a great game in it's own right and is brutal, lonely and excellent considering its age. But more importantly, it will make you appreciate so much more about what makes Xanadu Next so great. XN truly is a successor to the original in all these little ways, like how the chests appear after killing every enemy in a room (and how accidental magic attacks can destroy the chests). There are loads of references to Xanadu in XN in the plot, the game mechanics and even in the names of items.
Edit: I love this description of the original Xanadu's layout:
PixyJunket
Member
Yup, I have the Saturn Falcom Collection discs that have it on there and it's actually a pretty neat game.ctrayne said:
But I also have a strange fascination with very ancient computer RPGs, so I may be a little biased.
I think a tiny bit of its charm is lost with the nicer graphics, but overall its the most playable version of the original Xanadu and I like it too. Check out Revival Xanadu/Revival Xanadu II Remix sometime, they have great music and retain the darker color palette.PixyJunket said:
Lactose_Intolerant
Member
Sorry, that's my job so I get bummed out when I see horribly made art assets.ctrayne said:Truly the strangest complaint I have ever read. Reminds me of "sharp knees".
Makes sense, though "horrible" seems like a stretch. Stuff looks OK in my screenshots, or are you talking about NPCs?Lactose_Intolerant said:
Like I said, I think this was the first game Falcom made with 3D characters, and they've never been even close to the leading edge of technology, so it makes sense. Falcom is all about gameplay first, music second, and everything else later.
I'm checking Falcom's store support page and from what I can gather you have to order from them by email if you are an international customer? You have to send you CC info by email? Not sure I like that. Any other place where I can get this? It doesn't seem to be in stock at Play-Asia.
PixyJunket
Member
I have also bought from them over eMail several times with zero issues.
The shipping is a little expensive as it will be EMS, but overall it should still generally be cheaper than buying it from a shop like Play-Asia.
If you have patience, you can wait for it to show up in a weekly deal.
The shipping is a little expensive as it will be EMS, but overall it should still generally be cheaper than buying it from a shop like Play-Asia.
If you have patience, you can wait for it to show up in a weekly deal.
Just beat the second major boss. Got my cool rock breaker gauntlet. Seriously, the more I play this game the more it reminds me of Vagrant Story. I mean, damn, I thought the intro/tutorial dungeon felt like VS, but the Endless Maze dungeon...are you kidding me? That place REEKS of Lea Monde. Even the way the music starts reminds me of VS. Check out these tracks from VS and Xanadu and you'd think they are from the same game!
Xanadu Next: Endless Maze
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgS2G4nP6FQ
Vagrant Story: Undercity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq5pqeTEwIY&feature=related
It's mainly the way both tracks begin. I'm not crazy, right? I mean, exploring the Endless Maze in this game, with all the bats, lizards, crate puzzles, skeletons, etc. the game just has the VS feel and look. That game HAD to have some sort of inspiration for this remake. Anyway, still loving the game. I'm so obsessed with getting 200% proficiency with a weapon before I try out a new one. Once I got that guardian card that increases weapon prof it only became more addicting to level up stuff.
I actually switched to my PS2 controller after using the mouse for awhile. My hand was cramping too much (probably from playing too long, lol) from using the mouse so now I'm more comfortable with a standard controller. I still feel like the game plays really well with two analog sticks & buttons. This game REALLY would translate well to a console/portable (Vita, please). People were claiming the game is easier with a pad? Is it really though?
Xanadu Next: Endless Maze
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgS2G4nP6FQ
Vagrant Story: Undercity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq5pqeTEwIY&feature=related
It's mainly the way both tracks begin. I'm not crazy, right? I mean, exploring the Endless Maze in this game, with all the bats, lizards, crate puzzles, skeletons, etc. the game just has the VS feel and look. That game HAD to have some sort of inspiration for this remake. Anyway, still loving the game. I'm so obsessed with getting 200% proficiency with a weapon before I try out a new one. Once I got that guardian card that increases weapon prof it only became more addicting to level up stuff.
I actually switched to my PS2 controller after using the mouse for awhile. My hand was cramping too much (probably from playing too long, lol) from using the mouse so now I'm more comfortable with a standard controller. I still feel like the game plays really well with two analog sticks & buttons. This game REALLY would translate well to a console/portable (Vita, please). People were claiming the game is easier with a pad? Is it really though?
I'm nearing the end of the game, heading into Strangerock Castle.
Great stuff, really nice wrap around design in the dungeons. Backtracking when you get a new gear item always leads to some good stuff. Game seems kinda short though sadly, I'm not even 10 hours in and I'd be very surprised if it took me more than 20 to do everything.
Favorite music track so far was the forest, haunting stuff, can't pinpoint what it reminds me of but sounds a bit castlevania-ish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzLOlywGmmA
Anyway, highly recommend people check this game out, definitely worth playing!
Great stuff, really nice wrap around design in the dungeons. Backtracking when you get a new gear item always leads to some good stuff. Game seems kinda short though sadly, I'm not even 10 hours in and I'd be very surprised if it took me more than 20 to do everything.
Favorite music track so far was the forest, haunting stuff, can't pinpoint what it reminds me of but sounds a bit castlevania-ish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzLOlywGmmA
Anyway, highly recommend people check this game out, definitely worth playing!
Joe, did you ever come across a spell scroll for Thunder LV 1 other than the copy that is sold in the shop? The shop updated after beating the second major boss and it sells everything it used to sell BUT the first level of Thunder magic. I forgot to purchase it near the start of the game so I feel like I'm screwed out of that magic already, lol! Did you ever happen to come across it from a chest or enemy drop?
Really don't remember but if your goal is to have 1 of everything then I don't even think it's possible due to limited inventory room. Too many items if you try and get one of every level of every spell book.
You'll also start getting Armor+1's and stuff like that. Not gonna happen, sorry!
You'll also start getting Armor+1's and stuff like that. Not gonna happen, sorry!